Dairy farm employees remain positive about the sector with new survey results showing that over 80% intend to stay in the industry.
DairyNZ has released the results of the 2025 Dairy Farm Employee survey which explores what dairy farm employees value most at work.
Working with animals, being outdoors, and the lifestyle were the key reasons people entered the dairy sector, according to the survey findings.
These same factors also play a role in retaining people, alongside opportunities to build new skills and progress their careers within the industry.
DairyNZ Senior People Specialist Jane Muir said it was encouraging to see the high level of people looking to stay in dairy.
“The results showed that people of all ages and stages of their careers are passionate about dairy and see it in their long-term plans,” Jane says.
“It is particularly encouraging to see young people feeling positive about the sector, though we can be doing more on-farm by supporting early career leadership and training and ensuring workable rosters.”
Working hours remain an opportunity for the sector to improve with time off a common reason employees leave the sector alongside insufficient pay and poor relationships with management or colleagues.
The survey also showed that having a good boss and feeling valued were the top drivers of well-being.
When asked how well-being could be improved, the top responses were better leadership and communication, fair pay, and improved rosters and work-life balance.
The results come as the 2026 Dairy Farm Employee survey opens.
The survey, open until May, is part of DairyNZ’s Increasing Workplace Productivity programme, which focuses on research that highlights great practices, and technology that increases productivity and profitability whilst improving job conditions on farm.
“The survey findings provide valuable insight into what truly matters to farm teams,” Jane says.
“The insights gathered help us better advocate and develop resources and partnerships that benefit both dairy farmers and employees.”
New Zealand dairy farm employees can access the anonymous survey at dairynz.co.nz/2026-survey
Farm employees who complete the survey will go in the draw to win one of 26 prizes including memberships to NZ Young Famers, a $200 Prezzy card, or a Dairy Women’s Network Monopoly Game, with the survey closing on Monday, 4 May 2026.
For the 2025 survey results go to dairynz.co.nz/survey-insights
Media contact
Kahlia McNulty
Senior Corporate Communications Advisor
p: 022 854 2451
e: kahlia.mcnulty@dairynz.co.nz
